Edmunds’ Picks for Top Used SUVs

What was once mainly limited to hunters, fishermen, and other outdoorsy types in the 60s and 70s and became an alternative choice in the 80s has long since become the default vehicle for American households. SUVs fill the role once reserved for station wagons and minivans. Along the way, they bring all-wheel drive, at least as an option, and a higher ride height, making entrance and exit easier for most.  Now that most SUVs are car-based, they offer the ride comfort and nearly the economy of conventional passenger cars while still offering the cargo space of their truck-based predecessors. 

Long-time used-car chronicler Edmunds has gathered what they consider their favorite used SUVs in various categories, and Alderman Automotive passes on what they had to say.   

Edmunds was looking at new vehicles in 2021; thus, they are three or four years old.  This is a sweet spot for used cars as there is likely an influx of well-treated cars coming off leases, and they are new enough to have, if not the latest design and features, most of the things you desire, like driver assistance technologies and smartphone integration.   

Best Used Small SUVs 

1. Kia Sorento 

1. Honda CR-V 

Often referred to as “Compact Crossovers,” this is the best-selling and most competitive segment in the industry. Almost every model is its brand’s best-seller, and thus, they try very hard to make them right. Edmunds’ first choice is large for the segment, to the point that it offers a third-row seat. As is often the case with Kia, the Sorento is packed with features, and the infotainment system has been highly lauded for its ease of use. It also has an attractive design inside and out. 

The Honda CR-V is an obvious choice as it is known for doing everything pretty well.  It offers plenty of room for its two rows of occupants and their cargo.  Its towing capacity is lower than some competitors, and the infotainment system takes more getting used to than the Kia’s. Still, the CR-V is a largely can’t-go-wrong, if mildly premium-priced, used model for this segment. 

Best Used Midsize SUVs 

1. Kia Telluride 

1. Hyundai Palisade 

There are both 2-row and 3-row SUVs in the mid-size category, but Edmunds chose two related stars of the 3-row subclass.  The Telluride and Palisade have entirely different styling inside and out, but underneath, they share the same platform and drivetrains.  The models offer generous room for all three rows of passengers and have been acclaimed by critics for their near luxury-like interiors. Both offer a level of ride and comfort and a plethora of cabin features that make them excellent for long road trips.  One downside is their 3.7-liter V6 engines are large and a bit thirsty for their class.  

Best Luxury SUVs 

1. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 

1. Acura RDX 

Sometimes, you have the funds to buy new, but looking at pre-owned vehicles lets you enter the luxury ranks. These two models are compact crossover-sized but notably have far more visual punch inside and out. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is filled with high-tech features, refinement, and excellent build quality. The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine is more powerful than most non-luxury SUVs of its size and still delivers 25 mph in combined driving, though it asks for premium fuel. 

The Acura offers Honda-level build quality, reliability, and low-cost ownership. It has a premium interior and a sophisticated available AWD system that enhances the vehicle’s handling. Models with the Technology Package offer a high level of technology features and a superb audio system. 

Best Used Midsize Luxury SUVs 

1. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 

1. Porsche Cayenne 

The GLE is one step up from the GLC mentioned above, which means more room for everyone in the cabin. The GLE is available with a third row but think of it as for small kids only. The interior surrounds you with upscale materials, and the Infotainment system is remarkably easy to use. Engines range from a turbocharged inline-4 to high-powered V8s in the AMG models, but even the 4-cylinder is fine for everyday use. Edmunds was not particularly impressed with the air suspension that was an option.  

The Cayenne may have seemed like sacrilege for Porsche purists, but it delivers on the promise of Porsche-like handling and build quality in a roomy SUV.  The base engine is a 335-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, and the engine options go up from there.  Porsche offers many features as individual options, so the feature content will vary more among models than most on the used market.   

Best Used Large Luxury SUVs 

1. Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 

1. Lincoln Navigator 

Edmunds obviously thinks highly of Mercedes-Benz SUVs.  The GLS is a step up in size from the GLE mentioned above and is the brand’s largest SUV.  It features three legitimate seat rows and offers surprisingly agile handling for its size.  Again, the base model has a perfectly acceptable 362-hp turbo V6, and the engine options climb until you get a 603-hp twin-turbo V8  AMG model.  Build quality and interior refinement are what you expect from the brand’s flagship SUV.  

The Lincoln Navigator is the only truck-based SUV on this list.  Buried in deep under the tech features, leather, and chrome trim is the Ford F-150 platform, though with an independent rear suspension.  That platform, however, helps account for its 8,700 maximum towing capacity.   Room for all three rows of passengers is greater than that of crossover rivals like the Mercedes GLS, and the Navigator’s non-truck-like twin-turbo V6 engine produces 450 horsepower and has no problem propelling the big vehicle.   

Best Used Hybrid SUVs 

1. Honda CR-V Hybrid 

1. Toyota Highlander Hybrid 

The CR-V hybrid offers all the goodness mentioned above but with a unique hybrid system.  In around-town driving, the CR-V is driven mainly by the electric motor, with the engine simply feeding a generator.  This eliminates the need for a transmission.  At highway speeds, the engine can propel the CR-V directly.  Its 2021 EPA ratings are 40 city, 35, highway, and 38 combined.  The conventional CR-V’s cargo space under the floor is gone due to battery placement. Otherwise, the CR-V Hybrid offers the all-around goodness of its non-electrified counterpart. 

The Highlander is a mid-size 3-row crossover. Its third row is tighter than the Kia and Hyundai mentioned above, but it will work for kids and adults in a pinch. Otherwise, the Highlander is an exceptional family vehicle with the comfort, practicality, and quality you expect from Toyota. The brand is also famous for its hybrids, which give this 3-row crossover approximately 35 mpg in all driving conditions and FWD or AWD form. 

These are Edmunds’ top picks, though they would be the first to say that there are plenty of other satisfying used SUV choices out there. You can find plenty of them at Alderman Automotive, where nearly half of our inventory are SUVs representing almost every brand you can think of. It is the place to shop for your next used SUV.